Foxconn Seeks 90,000 New Workers To Build The iPhone 5S [Rumor]

Foxconn is looking to add another 90,000 people to its workforce as it prepares to take on mass production of the iPhone 5S, Focus Taiwan reports. The Taiwanese publication, citing sources in Apple’s supply chain, claims Foxconn has already completed testing assembly of the next-generation device, and is now gearing up to fill the “massive orders from Apple.”

“The sources said Hon Hai, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, needs additional staff to deal with large orders from Apple for a new version of the iPhone,” Focus Taiwan reports. “The company will require as many as 90,000 new employees at its Shenzhen complex in Guangdong Province to fill the massive orders from Apple, the sources said.”

Foxconn refused to comment on the rumors, and added that adjustments to its workforce to meet client demand are normal practice. And this is something we’ve seen many times before — often months before Apple is set to launch new iOS devices.

These claims line up with earlier reports that have suggested Foxconn will begin mass producing the new iPhone next month ahead of a September launch. It’s thought that the company will handle assembly of the iPhone 5S, while rival Pegatron will build the low-cost, plastic iPhone — which are likely to be announced together.